Ladrillar lies on a hillside amid mountains covered with pines, chestnut trees and oaks. Streams and natural pools shape the surrounding area, including pools along the Ladrillar River. Here, visitors encounter both a forested mountain landscape and a village with a distinctive historic character.
Village character and Hurdan building traditions
In Ladrillar’s old quarter, arches, passageways and traditional Hurdan houses form part of the village’s character. They blend into the landscape, and the old quarter is recommended for a visit. Those interested in the layout of a village can take in its features together: the village character brings distinctive architectural forms together with their natural surroundings.
Riomalo de Arriba, an outlying settlement belonging to Ladrillar, offers another perspective on Hurdan vernacular architecture. The village is considered one of the finest examples of this building style. Its architectural ensemble forms a compact settlement with steep, winding and often very narrow lanes that follow the terrain. It was built from slate, slate rock, earth and wood. Together, the settlement layout, lanes and materials create a distinctive architectural profile.
Riomalo de Arriba is also home to the Centro de Interpretación e Información de Las Hurdes, housed in a typical building of traditional Hurdan architecture. The centre covers local crafts, gastronomy, festivals and architecture. Visitors explore it on a guided tour, complemented by exhibition panels. The village’s building traditions and other aspects of local life are presented side by side.
Trails and water
The Ruta La Antigua starts in Ladrillar and connects the village with Aceitunilla. Check trail conditions before setting out. The Verea del Risco Gordo offers a different kind of landscape: the path passes through pines, holm oaks and strawberry trees, crosses three streams and opens up panoramic views of Cabezo. The two trails differ in their main features: La Antigua connects two villages, while the Verea is defined by its vegetation, stream crossings and views.
The water spots also each have their own connection to the landscape. Charco de la Olla lies by the bridge near the municipality of Ladrillar. In the warmer months, locals and tourists use it as a place to relax. In Las Mestas, natural pools were formed where the Batuecas and Ladrillar rivers meet. These are two different places: a seasonal recreation spot by the bridge near Ladrillar, and pools formed by the confluence in Las Mestas.
A protected tree in Las Mestas
Another natural attraction is the Árbol Singular Enebro de Las Mestas. It is a protected individual tree in Las Mestas, a hamlet belonging to the municipality of Ladrillar, and stands 14 metres tall. Unlike the pools and trails, the focus here is on a single tree with a designated protected status and a specific height. Along with the water spots and trails with their distinct features, it adds another clearly defined natural attraction to the area’s cultural landscape.
Discover more destinations: Las Mestas, Cabezo, Herguijuela, Ovejuela, Monroy, Ruanes, Santa Cruz De La Sierra, Garciaz.
Return to the main travel overview: Cáceres.
